The “2-28 Massacre” was an anti‑government uprising in Taiwan that began on February 28, 1947 and was violently suppressed by General Chiang Kai‑shek’s Chinese Nationalist Kuomintang (KMT) government during the following months. Estimates of the number of deaths reach up to thirty thousand.

During the following four decades, the Chinese Nationalists continued to rule Taiwan with an iron fist under a Martial Law that would not be lifted until 1987.

The Massacre had far reaching implications. Over the next half century, the Taiwanese democracy movement that grew out of the Massacre helped pave the way for Taiwan’s momentous transformation from a dictatorship under the Chinese Nationalists to a thriving and pluralistic democracy.

February 28, 2017 marks the 70th anniversary of the infamous Massacre.

In the U.S., the day is commemorated by Taiwanese Americans in churches, Taiwan Centers and at the homes of Taiwanese Americans.

The mayors of Syracuse, and Wappinger of NY, and Malden, MA issued proclamations dedicating February 28, 2017 as “Taiwan Peace Day.” The proclamations read:

“Whereas, seventy years ago to the day on February 28, 1947, thousands of Taiwanese began the long, historic struggle for a democratic Taiwan; and

Whereas, the Taiwanese selflessly gave their lives in order to further a democratic Taiwan and ensure democracy, freedom, and justice for generations to come; and

Whereas a democratic Taiwan contributes to the stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region;

Now, Therefore, I do hereby proclaim February 28, 2017 as “Taiwan Peace Day” and encourage all citizens to recognize February 28th of 1947 as an important date in Taiwan’s historic evolution to full democracy, and as a day of healing, reconciliation, and unity among Taiwanese people all over the world.”

Additionally, Rep. Marc Veasey (D-TX) wrote: “The Taiwanese democracy movement that grew out of the Massacre helped pave the way for Taiwan’s momentous transformation from a dictatorship under the Chinese Nationalists to a thriving and pluralistic democracy.”

Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) wrote: “The tragedy of the 228 Massacre will forever be memorialized in Taiwanese history but it was also a catalyst for transformation. Having overcome much adversity, the legacy of the Taiwanese people’s struggle is rooted in perseverance. Thanks to the courage, bravery and countless sacrifices of its historic heroes, Taiwan has no blossomed into a prosperous democracy.”

FAPA President Peter Chen says: “2-28 is a day that has lived in infamy for the past 70 years. We can forgive historical mistakes but history cannot and must never be forgotten. It is a day of rebirth – a rebirth of a new Taiwan. I am looking forward to the day when 2-28 officially replaces “Double Ten” as Taiwan’s “National Day.”